"There is no drop of water in the ocean, not even in the deepest parts of the abyss, that does not know and respond to the mysterious forces that create the tide."
-Rachel Carson, The Sea Around Us
This quotation sets the tone of the book The Highest Tide by Jim Lynch. Set in Washington state on the Puget Sound, the story begins as thirteen year old Miles O'Malley collects marine specimens at low tide in the middle of the night. He hears breathing, sees a big shiny eye, and realizes a giant squid is trapped in the mud! Immediately, Miles receives far more attention than he ever wanted; squid this size are never found in the area and certainly not alive. Now in addition to having a crush on the girl next door, waiting for his teen growth spurt, and the possibility of his parents divorce, Miles also finds himself dealing with inquiring TV reporters, scientists, and even a local cult. The Highest Tide beautifully balances the changes of a boy with the changing of the sea.
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